Category: Market

Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa met with Standard Chartered Group CEO, Bill Winters and HSBC Group CEO, Noel Quinn.

The meeting discussed financial and banking topics and the latest global economic developments.

The minister stressed the importance of the pivotal role of international financial and banking institutions and their contributions towards supporting development efforts, affirming the importance of cooperation and exchange of best practices and expertise.

He shed light on the business-friendly environment in Bahrain, which is conducive to the growth of financial sectors.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday, according to Associated Press (AP).

The Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.7% to 3,250.79 while the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo advanced less than 0.1% to 28,620.07. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong sank 1.9% to 19,578.20.

The Kospi in Seoul tumbled 1.6% to 2,482.50. India’s Sensex opened up 0.2% at 60,175.77.

In energy markets, benchmark US crude gained 2 cents to $78.78 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, the price basis for international oil trading, added 2 cents to $82.56 per barrel in London.

The dollar declined to 134.21 yen from Monday’s 134.27 yen. The euro gained to $1.1051 from $1.1046.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdulla today received a phone call from UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The three minister discussed the current developments unfolding in Suldan, stressing the importance of halting military escalation, and returning to framework agreement for the security and stability of Sudan and its people.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The resumption of diplomatic relations between the the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar supports relations between GCC member states and contributes to reinforcing pan-Arab action, said the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee.

Chaired by Mp. Hassan Eid Boukhammas, the committee noted the the step move is in line with the priorities of Bahrain’s foreign policy, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

It stressed legislative support to all policies and initiatives aimed to maintain security, consolidate opportunities of cooperation and co-existence between Gulf countries and peoples, and further pan-Arab work and GCC and Arab unity.

The committee commended the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia, led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to unify Arab ranks and overcome differences.

In a statement today, the committee lauded Saudi-led role and efforts to advocate the Arab and Islamic nations and maintain regional security and stability.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) voiced deep concerns over the fighting in several Sudanese cities between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called for an immediate ceasefire, resuming dialogue and resorting to the voice of reason.

He expressed confidence in the wisdom of the Sudanese people and leadership and their ability to overcome this crisis through negotiation and dialogue.

The Arab League voiced deep concerns over the current clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in the capital, Khartoum, and other areas.

In a statement, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit urged the warring parties to preserve the security and safety of Sudanese civilians in the fighting areas and throughout the country, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the bloodshed.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) said that one of its Airbus aircrafts came under gunfire at Khartoum International Airport before its scheduled departure to Riyadh on Saturday.

“The Airbus A330, Flight SV458 came under fire at Khartoum International Airport before taking off to Riyadh at exactly 7:30 UTC this morning.”, said the company in a statement.

The company also said in a statement that it had suspended all its flights to and from Sudan until further notice.

Saudia’s Emergency Coordination Center is working with members of the cabin crew, ground staff, and the Saudi embassy in Sudan to get more information about the incident, said the statement

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Moroccan Embassy in Khartoum called on the members of the Moroccan community residing in Sudan to be cautious and areas of clashes for their security and safety.

In a statement today, Saturday, the embassy urged Moroccan community to remain indoors and adhere to the directives issued by the competent Sudanese authorities.

The embassy also called on all Moroccan citizens wishing to travel to Sudan to postpone their travel at the present time.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Special Representative of HM the King His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa received Works Minister Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj.

His Highness was briefed on the initiatives and projects undertaken to develop infrastructure in various regions in the Kingdom.

HH Shaikh Mohammed praised the minister’s efforts to meet citizens’ aspirations as part of Bahrain’s comprehensive development process.

The minister thanked HM the King’s special representative for his continuous support in various fields.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Shura Council Chairman, Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, has lauded the commencement of the implementation of the second phase of the Alternative Sentencing Law or the “Open Prisons Programme”, in line with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s sound vision, and in implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Al-Saleh commended the efforts exerted by the Interior Ministry, led by Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, in this regard, praising its constant endeavours to continue developing the alternative penalties programme to advance the criminal justice system and enhance social security.

The Interior Ministry’s efforts reflect the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to protect human rights during HM the King’s prosperous era, he said,

He highlighted the positive results of the alternative penalties and open prison programmes, as they contribute to gradually integrating the beneficiaries into society, enabling them to participate effectively in developing society.

He also paid tribute to the Public Prosecutions, civil society and various institutions for their contributions to ensuring the success of these programmes, aimed at rehabilitating convicts, reducing the criminality rate and achieving social stability.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Special Representative of His Majesty the King, received the Coordinator at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr. Yasser Isa Al Nasser

His highness praised the coordinator’s efforts during his tenure in serving the Kingdom through the various positions he held, especially during his tenure as the Cabinet Secretariat.

Al Nasser expressed his deep gratitude for the support and guidance he received from HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak, which contributed to perform the tasks assigned to him to the fullest.

Source: Bahrain News Agency